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Administration

Rosanna Mhlanga - Principal

 

 

Rosanna Mhlanga Principal
Rosanna Mhlanga is honored to serve as the Principal at AMS, bringing 14 years of dedicated experience in education, including 8 years in school administration.
Rosanna began her teaching career in Atlanta, Georgia, working in the Fulton County School District, where she developed a strong foundation in instructional leadership. In 2019, she moved to Arkansas, where she led a K-5 charter school for five years, fostering academic excellence and student success.
 
Rosanna’s passion for education was shaped by her commitment to equity and student growth. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Tuskegee University, where she became certified to teach grades K-8 across all subject areas. She later pursued advanced studies, earning a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Argosy University Atlanta and a Master of Arts in Leadership (P-12) from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville.
 
Throughout her career, Rosanna has prioritized student-centered learning, strong instructional strategies, and collaborative leadership. She is dedicated to building a school environment where scholars thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes that every child deserves access to high-quality education and that strong relationships between educators, students, and families are essential for success.
Beyond her role as an educational leader, Rosanna is passionate about mentorship, community engagement, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. She looks forward to working alongside the incredible AMS staff and families to ensure a thriving, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment for all scholars.
 


Brooke Castillo - Assistant Principal

 

 

Michala Patterson, Elementary School AP
Now in her 13th year in education, Mrs. Castillo has served as a high school English teacher, reading coach, curriculum specialist, and Assistant Principal. She is passionate about helping students grow into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead, serve, and thrive. Her achievements include:

  • Supporting literacy and curriculum development across grade levels.
  • Coaching teachers and leading instructional improvement initiatives.
  • Promoting a school culture of high expectations and meaningful relationships.

Mrs. Castillo is also a proud wife and mother of two young daughters. This summer, she and her 4-year-old explored the life cycle of butterflies while gardening—an adventure that reflects her love of learning and curiosity. A former college soccer player and wife of a college soccer coach, she’s often found on the sidelines cheering or playing. She’s also a passionate Baltimore Ravens fan, avid reader, and sports enthusiast.
 

 

April Manning - Assistant Principal

 

 

Chelsea Clark
A proud Arkansas native, Ms. Manning brings over 16 years of educational experience, having served as a classroom teacher, behavior interventionist, and K–6 administrator in the Little Rock area. Her leadership is grounded in relationships, trust, and high expectations, and she is known for:
 
  • Cultivating strong school cultures that support both academic and emotional growth.
  • Leading effective instructional teams that empower teachers and elevate student achievement.
  • Holding four advanced degrees, including an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Building Administration.
  • Bringing a background in social services and mental health, which enhances her ability to support the whole child.
 
Ms. Manning believes deeply in collective efficacy—that when educators and communities unite around a shared vision, extraordinary outcomes are possible. Outside of school, she is a devoted mother of three, a custom cake baker, and an active member of her church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also enjoys personal development and leadership learning.

 

 

 

Joanna Natera Veal, Front Office Manager

 

 

Joanna Natera Veal, Front Office Manager
Joanna Natera Veal, proudly serving as the Office Manager for AMS Little Rock. Her journey began when she relocated from Mexico to the United States at the age of 11. For over 17 years, she has called El Paso, Texas, her home, and it's there that her path to success truly took shape. Joanna's educational pursuit led her to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where she not only acquired knowledge but also embraced the university's spirit as a true "Miner at heart”. In her professional journey, Joanna's has accumulated over a decade of managerial experience, she achieved new goals when she assumed the role of district manager for a finance company, a position she held for more than five years. Notably, Joanna made history as the first woman to be promoted to the position of district manager within the El Paso district. However, Joanna's journey didn't end in Texas. She took her expertise to Arkansas over three years ago, transitioning into the field of education. Starting as an administrator, Joanna's talent and dedication were quickly acknowledged, leading to her promotion within just six months to the role of registrar. As a registrar, Joanna honed her skills and took on significant responsibilities. She managed all aspects of the registration process, overseeing record creation, final exam scheduling, and student enrollment verification for an impressive student body of over 600 students. Joanna also loves spending quality time with her husband and two sons, aged 8 and 6, engaging in activities like playing video games together. Joanna enjoys photography and the craft of macramé, which serve as her hobbies, allowing her to express her creativity.
 

 

 

A full summary of school personnel experience and resumes are available for public review upon request. Please contact the school directly.